Irish Ink
Knoxville Catholic High School Alumni Newsletter
Volume 23, Number 2, Fall 2012
It’s time to
cheer on the Irish!
ALUMNI TAILGATE
September 21, 2012
(information on page 8)
Inspiring excellence since 1932.
In This Issue
3
From the Principal
Stay Connected!
4-5
Alumni News
6
Irish Pride
7
Remembering Kay Malach Webb ‘46
Irish Archives
8
Save the Dates
9
Reunions & Events Calendar
10
In Memoriam
11
26th Annual Shamrock Open Sponsors
12
Green & Gold Gala
2  IRISH INK
Irish Ink is the official newsletter for the alumni
community of Knoxville Catholic High School.
Many thanks to the following for their contributions
to the publications of the Alumni Office:
Mark Balog
Barbara Carter
Dawn Harbin
Deacon Patrick Murphy-Racey
Pro Photo
Dickie Sompayrac
On the Cover: Mary Frances O’Connor Gallaher ‘70
From the Principal
Dear Alumni and Friends of KCHS:
Greeting from KCHS! As I write this letter, the faculty,
staff, and students are beginning the 2012-2013 school
year—the 81st of Knoxville Catholic High School’s rich
history.
Our school has come so far since its humble beginning in
the Ashe home in east Knoxville. The first graduating class in 1933 had
only 11 students. This year, as we welcome approximately 700 students,
we are preparing our largest graduating class ever—172 students—to be
the leaders of tomorrow.
This past May, the Class of 2012 was offered an amazing $9.5 million in
scholarships and they are attending outstanding institutions, such as
Stanford, Furman, Notre Dame, Auburn, Virginia Tech and Xavier—
just to name a few. Additionally, two members of the class were offered
service appointments to the United States Military Academy at West
Point and the United States Naval Academy.
I can not say enough about the hard work and dedication of our
teachers and staff. The backbone of any quality school is its faculty, and
we are blessed to have such outstanding mentors to our young people.
Their commitment is the reason we are experiencing another year of
enrollment growth, in spite of the sluggish economy.
Many exciting things have happened to Knoxville Catholic over the last
year. In January, we held our first Green & Gold Gala where alumni
and friends of KCHS enjoyed dinner and dancing, while raising
$53,000 to benefit the school. We continue to experience great
participation and support from our alumni through the Annual Fund
and the Shamrock Open Golf Tournament. More information on
these events can be found in this issue of the Irish Ink.
Also, this past summer, through the generous support of the Hollin
family and others in our community, KCHS installed the largest
synthetic field turf in the Knoxville area. We are excited for you to see
Hollin Field at Blaine Stadium on your next visit to campus.
We simply could not experience this richness of blessings without the
support of our alumni, and we want to thank all of our graduates and
friends for your continued support.
May Christ’s blessings be with each of you and your families during this
school year.
God Bless and GO IRISH!
Stay
Connected!
Knoxville Catholic High School has more
than 5,000 graduates that live across the
country and around the world. The Office
of Alumni Affairs serves this community by
keeping our alumni connected through the
following outlets:
Facebook
Join the “Knoxville Catholic” page for
updates from your alma mater.
Irish Ink
Share your family, education, or career
news in the Irish Ink, the semi-annual
alumni newsletter.
Reunions
The Office of Alumni Affairs can assist in
the planning of your class reunion.
www.knoxvillecatholic.com
Visit the “Alumni” section on the
school’s website to view the alumni
calendar of events and update your
personal information.
Contact the Office of Alumni Affairs…
For Alumni Updates, Campus Tours, or
Contributions:
Diannah Eagle Miller ‘92
(865)560-0525
[email protected]
For Reunion/Event Information or
Advertising Opportunities:
Megan Locke 2003
(865)560-0509
[email protected]
Dickie Sompayrac
IRISH INK  3
Alumni News
Margaret Ann Wade Ward '50 celebrated
her 80th birthday on June 5,
2012. Margaret Ann and her late
husband Jack's ten children graduated
from KCHS. She lives in Knoxville, and
enjoys time with her friends, children,
grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Left: Margaret Ann (Wade) Ward and Jack
Ward at the KCHS prom.
Mrs. George Mankel, Sr. (mother of Monsignor Xavier Mankel ‘53,
Sister Georgeanna Mankel, RSM ‘54, and George Mankel, Jr. ‘56)
celebrated her 100th birthday on
January 8, 2012.
Melinda Blevins Kirk, daughter-in-law of
Joe Kirk ‘59, joined Knoxville Catholic
High School as a School Counselor with
our Guidance Department. Melinda
and her husband, Joe Kirk, Jr., have two
children, Cecelia and Trey. Kirk family
pictured right.
Janet Curry Wedekind ‘67 works for the Town of Farragut as a
Human Resources Manager. Janet is a member of a “Three
Generations” family—her mother, Jean Willard Wedekind, is a
member of the class of 1942 and her son, Patrick Curry, graduated
in 2000.
Joseph Fritz ‘73 completed the 2012
Race Across America, a grueling 3000mile bike race from Oceanside, CA to
Annapolis, MD in 8 days, 18 hours and
42 seconds. Fritz was a member of Team
Kinema, a four person mixed team. The
team won their age group and each
member qualified to compete in 2013
and 2014 as a solo rider or two person
team. Joseph Fritz pictured left.
Jennifer Ward Todd ’92 and her
husband of 10 years, Andy,
welcomed their first child, a boy
named Ward, on October 11,
2011. Jennifer left her role as
CFO for Southern Alliance for
Clean Energy in July to pursue a
new opportunity as a business
consultant for a real-estate
nonprofit—this allows her to work
remotely and care for her bundle
of joy! Ward Todd pictured right.
4  IRISH INK
Alizz Punzalan-Randle ‘93 and her husband, Jason, are the proud
parents of Jade Ann, born December 15, 2011 in St. Petersburg,
Florida. Jade is a regular attendee of Alizza’s community activities—
she is the youngest board member of The Studio @ 620, where her
mom serves as the board president.
Arlene Ojeda Plemons ‘97 and her
husband, Sam, welcomed the birth of
their daughter, Sofia Idania. She was
born on March 11, 2012 weighing 8
pounds and 3 ounces. Sofia Plemons
pictured right.
Amy K. Sheridan ‘97 joined the Knoxville Catholic High School
faculty this school year as Spanish II instructor. Amy earned her
B.A. in Spanish and M.S. in Education from the University of
Tennessee, Knoxville. Prior to KCHS, she taught at Brentwood
High School in Nashville.
Gina Evans ‘98 and her
husband welcomed their
second child, Michael, on
June 30, 2011. The couple
has an eight year old
daughter, Mia, who is
enjoying the role of big
sister. Evans family pictured
left.
James Nicholas Lockmiller ‘00 and Kara Covington Lockmiller ‘98
are the proud parents of a son, Gabriel Dean. Gabriel was born on
June 5, 2012 weighing 7 pounds and 7 ounces, and joins big sister
and brother, Jaimie and Jacob. Lockmiller family pictured below.
Erin Clancy Clapp ‘02 and her
husband, Chris, welcomed daughter
Avery Elizabeth on February 28,
2012. The family of three reside in
Knoxville, where Erin works as a
Branch Manager for Enterprise.
Avery Clapp pictured right.
Ellen Clancy Hunter ‘04 and Craig Clementi were married at St.
John Neumann Catholic Church on July 14, 2012, the 61st wedding
anniversary of Clancy's grandparents Stan and Ellen Clancy
Pickering ‘42.
KCHS alums included in this picture above: Ellen Clancy Hunter Clementi
‘04, Crystal Santana ‘04; Leticia Marie Pickering ‘06, Rob Hunter ‘07,
Natalie Pickering ‘07, and Caroline Hunter ‘08. Future alums: Suzanna
Pickering ‘16, William Edward Lovelace ‘23, and Natalie Kate Harris ‘26.
Michael Blair ‘06 and Candice Laura
Cain were married January 14, 2012
in Gainesville, Georgia. Michael is a
2010 graduate of North Georgia
College and State University, the
military college of Georgia. The
couple reside in Columbus, Georgia,
where Michael is stationed at Fort
Benning. Michael and Candice Blair
pictured left.
Taryn Wolf ‘07 graduated from University of Tennessee, Knoxville
with a Bachelor of Arts in English concentrating in Rhetoric and
Writing. Taryn is the Academic Dean’s Assistant at Virginia College
School of Business and Health in Knoxville.
Bo Harris ‘06 works
at Williams Creek
Golf Course as their
head teaching
professional. Bo is
also the Assistant
Director of
Expansion for First
Tee of Greater
Knoxville—an
initiative dedicated to
providing young
people of all
backgrounds with an opportunity to develop, through golf and
character education, life-enhancing values such as honesty, integrity
and sportsmanship. Bo Harris pictured above.
Morgan Moore ‘09, the 2012 Miss
UT Knoxville, placed third runnerup at the Miss Tennessee
Scholarship Pageant. Morgan’s
Miss Tennessee platform focused
on promoting healthy lifestyles for
young people. Additionally, she
donates her time to Hope for
Haiti, YWCA, and the University
of Tennessee Volunteer Team.
Morgan Moore pictured right.
Gus Rivera ‘10 and Phillip Roulier ‘10 were awarded partial
scholarships to Lincoln Memorial University for soccer. Gus is a
midfielder/defender and majoring in history, with plans to become a
teacher. Phillip is a defender and pursuing a business degree. They
have been friends, teammates, and opponents since they were in first
grade at Sacred Heart Cathedral School. Pictured below: Gus Rivera
(left) and Phillip Roulier (right).
Davis Bodie ‘06 is in his
second year teaching sixth
and seventh grade World
Geography and Old
Testament at Sacred Heart
Cathedral School. Davis
earned his B.A. and M.Ed.
from Emory & Henry
College. He is engaged to
Meghan King from
Knoxville. Davis Bodie and
Meghan King pictured right.
James Trombly ‘08 graduated from the United States Military
Academy at West Point in May 2012.
Update the Alumni Office on what has been going on in
your life. Email your news to Diannah Miller at
[email protected] or visit the Alumni
Updates page on knoxvillecatholic.com.
IRISH INK  5
Irish Pride
Harrison Smith ‘07 Signs with Vikings
First to go First
On April 26, former Knoxville Catholic football
standout Harrison Smith made history when he
became the first KCHS alumnus to be picked in the
first round of the NFL Draft. Smith, a 2007 graduate,
was picked up by the Minnesota Vikings—29th overall
in the 2012 draft.
While at the University of Notre Dame, Smith was recognized for his strong leadership skills. The two-time team captain
played safety and linebacker, and recorded 93 tackles and seven interceptions during his senior year. Off the field, Smith
earned his degree in Management-Entrepreneurship and was accepted into the university’s Management-Entrepreneurship
graduate program.
His success on and off the field is no surprise to his KCHS family. During high school, Smith was named a 2006 Gatorade
Player of the Year, he earned All State and Mr. Football awards, and he was the 2007 state champion in decathlon. In
addition, he was Sergeant at Arms of the National Honor Society and was a member of Mu Alpha Theta. “What is so neat
about seeing the success that Harrison is enjoying is he represents everything that you want to see in a KCHS graduate. He
is humble, driven to excellence, has great character and is very compassionate,” says Principal Dickie Sompayrac. “I know I
speak for all of his former teachers and coaches when I say how proud we are of Harrison!”
Welcome To Our Turf!
Hollin Field ready for play
This summer, the natural grass playing surface and surrounding
areas were removed from Blaine Stadium, and an artificial
surface was installed. The renovation was completed in late July,
just in time for the 2012 fall season.
Gala Guests “Raise the Paddle”
15 new lab tables for Mrs. Walden
Hollin Field—named for principal donors Tony and Kim
Hollin—is the largest synthetic turf field in the Knoxville area.
On August 17, KCHS hosted Central High School for the first
game of the season. Bishop Richard Stika attended the game to
officially bless the field, which will serve many students over the
years through football, girls and boys soccer, and lacrosse.
Many thanks to all who Raised the Paddle during
the 2012 Green & Gold Gala. Nearly $8,000 was
raised toward the purchase of 15 new lab tables
for Mrs. Walden’s Physiology classes. The
previous tables had seen many years at the
Magnolia campus, before making the move to Fox
Lonas in 2000.
Overall, the event was a great success—raising
$50,000 to support academic programs and
classroom technology. This year’s Green & Gold
Gala will be held at Lighthouse Knoxville on
January 26, 2013. Contact Megan Locke at
560-0509 or [email protected] for
ticket or sponsorship information.
6  IRISH INK
On August 17, Knoxville Catholic soundly defeated Central 35-0 on
our new field turf. Go Irish!
A League of Her Own
Remembering Kay Malach Webb ‘45
Kay’s brother, Phil Malach ‘63,
visited the campus this summer to
loan the Alumni Office several
items from her illustrious athletic
career. The items—including her
glove, copy of her contract with
the Daisies, and competition
photos —will be on display in the
trophy case near the gymnasium.
Thank you to the Malach family
for sharing these precious
memories with our students,
faculty, and the many alumni that
visit our campus.
Kay in 1947 with the Fort Wayne Daisies.
On December 19, 2011, the Knoxville Catholic Alumni community lost a shining star
with the passing of Kathleen Malach (Kay) Webb. Shortly after graduating from KCHS in
1945, Kay went on to play semi-professional baseball with the Fort Wayne Daisies. She
also enjoyed a successful 24 year fencing career. She competed in local and regional
tournaments and taught fencing at the University of Tennessee for several years.
Kay Malach Webb ‘45 (center, with brothers Gil Malach ‘53
(left) and Phil Malach ‘63, at the 75th Anniversary Alumni
Tailgate in 2007.
Thanks for the Memories!
Through the Irish Archives, Knoxville Catholic aims to preserve, identify, and collect the school’s records, artifacts, and
publications. The Irish Archives—a collaboration between the Alumni, Campus Ministry, and Library/Media
departments—is currently seeking the following items for donations:
Copy of the 50th Anniversary Commemorative Book,
published circa 1982
Photographs of the Ashe Home—original
Knoxville Catholic High School building
Copies of older school newspapers:
Carillon, La Petit Fleur, and Gold and Blue
Letter Sweaters or Varsity Letters
(1970’s or earlier)
Yearbooks (1963,1964, 1973,
1974, and 1975)
Clergy photographs (in the classroom,
on the field, etc.)
Sports Photographs (1932—1999)
We have boxes of photographs from the 1940—1970’s
that need to be archived. If you would like to help
identify photographs in the Irish Archives, please contact
Diannah Miller at (865)560-509 or
[email protected].
IRIS
Save the Dates
ALL-ALUMNI TAILGATE
Friday, September 21, 2012 at 5:30 pm
Practice Football Field at KCHS
Join classmates and friends at a special alumni tailgate
before the Irish take on Webb at 7:30 pm.
ENJOY THE FOOD! KCHS will sell BBQ, sides, and dessert
before the game. Iced tea will be provided.
BRING THE KIDS! There will be a bounce house and games for all of those future KCHS students.
SPREAD THE WORD! Invite fellow alumni, friends, and family to help cheer on the Irish.
RSVP by September 10 to Megan Locke at (865)560-0509 or [email protected].
Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, December 8, 2012
9:00—11:00 a.m.
KCHS Commons
Join us for a pancake breakfast, ornament
decoration, and pictures with Santa.
$10 per child ($2 per additional photo)
Guest are encouraged to bring an unwrapped children’s gift that will be donated to Volunteer Ministries.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
GOLDEN GRAD BRUNCH
Saturday, April 20, 2013
10:00 am to 12:00 noon
The KCHS Alumni Office invites our graduates
from 1963 and earlier—and their friends and
family—to this special brunch held in the school's
main commons area. Featuring delicious fare from
Chef Holly Hambright of Holly's Eventful Dining,
campus tours, and fellowship with former
classmates! $15 per guest.
For more information, contact Diannah Miller at
(865)560-0525 or [email protected].
8  IRISH INK
Reunions & Events
DATE
EVENT
CONTACT / INFORMATION
September 21-22, 2012
Class of 1982
30th Reunion Weekend
Kim Clancy
[email protected]
September 21, 2012
5:30 to 7:00 pm
All-Alumni Tailgate
Before Homecoming Game
RSVP to Megan Locke
(865)560-0509
November 11, 2012
2:00 pm
Admissions Open House
KCHS Gymnasium
Tour Campus &
Learn about Admissions Process
December 6, 2012
6:30 pm
Fine Arts Celebration
Visual Arts, Theatre, Chorus
KCHS Commons &
Fine Arts Wing
December 8, 2012
9:00—11:00 am
Breakfast with Santa
More information on Page 8
Hosted by the Alumni Office.
Open to the community.
December 26, 2012
5:00 pm
Classes of 1950’s and 60’s
Christmas Social—Calhoun’s on the River
Linda Baker, [email protected]
Linda Long, [email protected]
January 26, 2013
6:00 pm
Green & Gold Gala
More information on back cover.
Hosted by the Alumni Office.
Open to the community.
January 27—
February 3, 2013
Catholic Schools Week
2013 Theme: “Catholic Schools
Raise the Standards”
April 20, 2013
10:00 am—Noon
Golden Grad Brunch
Class of 1963 and earlier
Diannah Miller
(865)560-0525
May 18, 2013
KCHS Graduation
81st Commencement Ceremony
Blaine Stadium
June 14, 2013
Shamrock Open
Golf Tournament
Megan Locke
(865)560-0509
Is it time for your class reunion? Contact the Alumni Office at (865)560-0509 to start
planning your reunion or see if plans are in progress. Visit the Alumni section of
knoxvillecatholic.com to download the Reunion Planning Guide.
Please visit our website regularly for Upcoming Events and Irish News. Fighting Irish
schedules, including 2012 football, can be downloaded from the Athletic section of
knoxvillecatholic.com.
IRISH INK  9
In Memoriam
Joseph Bernard “Joe” Baker ‘64
Daniel Larry Banks, father of Rodriguez ‘86
James Beeler, grandfather of Michelle ‘12, Miranda ‘12, and Katie ‘14
George H. Brink, Sr., father of Hank ‘71, John ‘72, Michael ‘74, Jim ‘76, Kathleen
‘77, David ‘79, Stephen ‘81, Barbara ‘83, and Gregory ‘84
Claxton Vernon Chandler, husband of Helen Moroney Chandler ’34; father of
Johanna ’55, Charles ’58, John ’59, Terry ’62, Jerry ’62, Steve ’67, Carol ’71,
Lucy ’73, Michael ’74, Frank ’76, Helen ’77, Dolores, and Chris; grandfather of
Molly ’84, Charles ’91, Camey ’92, Teal ‘93, and John Andrew ‘95
Cindy Jo Flanary, mother of Daniel Hood ‘09
Mary Wood Galloway ‘62
Gene Huber ‘52
Jeanne Claire Vehr Kennedy, wife of John L. Kennedy, Jr. ‘43
“You, whose company
I enjoyed, at whose side
I walked in procession
in the house of God.”
-Psalms 55:15
Mary Agnes Milton Laferte ‘35
Sybil Louise Havey Larison, mother of James ‘56, Steve ‘57, Louise ‘59, and
Mary Ann ‘63
Michael McReynolds, brother of John ‘58 and Robert ‘60; father of Percy ‘13
and William ‘15
Timothy O’Hara ‘67
James Paulus ‘50
Paula Rabensteine, daughter of Angela Nipper Missimer ‘68; mother of Julia ‘15
Nelzon Soto, father of Luis ‘15
Thomas Stiles, father of Doug ‘83 and Jeff ‘88; grandfather of Lauren ‘10,
Morgan ’11, and Lucas ‘12
Mary Jo Clancy Williams ‘41
We are looking for a few good men and women! If you can help update the contact
information for the alumni below, please contact Diannah Eagle Miller, Director of
Development and Alumni Affairs, at (865)560-0525 or [email protected].
Sally Ann Powell Thompson ‘62
Danny Gleason ‘72
Hank Gill ‘84
Terry Dykeman ‘65
Michelle Wilson Weiss ‘74
Melissa Simpson ‘86
Gloria Guth ‘69
Pamela Wright Rhea ‘75
Kelli Spitzbarth ‘93
Leigh Davis Hicks ‘71
Karen Morin Mowery ‘76
Jackson Wilson ‘05
Become a fan of “Knoxville Catholic” on Facebook®.
Check out our updates, videos, and photos to keep
current on what’s happening at your alma mater.
Contact Megan Locke, 865.560.0509 or
[email protected], if you have news to
share with Knoxville Catholic’s 1,600 (and growing) fans.
10  IRISH INK
26th Annual
Shamrock Open
GOLF TOURNAMENT
Knoxville Catholic High School hosted another very successful Shamrock Open Golf Tournament on
June 8 at Egwani Farms Golf Course. More than $40,000 was raised for capital improvements and
classroom technology. We would like to thank our tournament sponsors for your generosity. Please
support those who support KCHS!
Presented by:
Sponsored by:
Bridgestone Golf
EPRI
Stephen & April Harris
Kelsan
Lensgraf Clinic, P.C.
McDonald’s
The Mynatt Family
Principle Group USA
Rick McGill’s Toyota
RIVR Media
Rouse Construction
Duncan Automotive
Educational Outfitters
Eagle Distributing
Facility Systems Consultants
FESCO
First Tennessee Bank
Five Star Food Service
Forester Benefits Management
Friend of KCHS
Dr. TJ Fowler, DDS
Gillespie Import Services
Golden Media
Grange/Brown Insurance
Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Greer
Harvest Towne Wine & Spirits
Higginbotham Heating & Air
Hilliard Lyons
Hodges, Doughty & Carson
John Huber – Markets @ Choto
Johnson Architecture
Jostens
Kramer Rayson, LLP
LBMC
Lewis, King, Krieg & Waldrop, P.C.
Litton’s Market & Restaurant
Mac’s Pharmacy
Madison Media Works
McScrooge’s Wine & Spirits
Meridian Realty Advisors
The Murphy Family
Dr. Gibbs Prevost, DDS
Pro Photo
Rita’s Bakery
Reno Sporting Goods
Revenue Recovery Corporation
Rose Mortuary
Salon Prive Suites
Neil Schmitt – State Farm
Sew N’ Vac West
The Sheridan Family
Smoky Mountain Brewery
St. Albert the Great Church
Standard Electric Service Inc.
St. John Neumann
Catholic Church
Take out Thyme
The Trust Company
Threds
TIS
Tennessee Valley Audiology
Vinyard Floor
Covering & Carpet Co.
White Realty
Wrigley/Mars
Hole Sponsors:
ADS Phoenix
Abercrombie Radiology
Allan Associates Architects, PLLC
Applical Decal Company
Ashes Wine & Spirits
Associated Therapeutics
Beaty Chevrolet
Bistro at the Bijou
Blaine Construction
Bob’s Package Store
Bonnie’s Garage Door
Bunstine, Watson,
McElroy & Becker
Ceilings Etc.
Chick-Fil-A
Clancy Optical & SPEX
Closet Solutions
Dr. Michael Clary, DDS
Coca-Cola Company
Mr. Chris Coffey
Coleman’s Printing & Awards
Collectibles of the Game
Connor Concepts
Consolidated Products
DeNuke Contracting Services
Direct Mail Services
The Ducote Family
IRISH INK  11
Irish Ink
Non Profit Org.
US Postage
PAID
Knoxville Catholic High School
Knoxville TN
Permit No. 134
9245 Fox Lonas Road
Knoxville Tennessee 37923
knoxvillecatholic.com
GREEN
&
GOLD
Gala
SAVE THE DATE
Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 6:00 p.m.
Lighthouse Knoxville
6800 Baum Drive, Knoxville
The Green & Gold Gala is Knoxville Catholic’s premier event—celebrating a rich tradition of
excellence and ensuring continued success! Last year’s event was attended by more than
230 guests and raised more than $50,000 to support academic programs.
Please join us on January 26! The gala offers a wonderful evening of dinner and dancing,
including live music by The Vibraslaps. The successful silent and live auction featured luxury
vacations, catered event packages, high-end electronics, private aerial tour of knoxville, gift
certificates, and much more! Tickets are $100 per person and include appetizers, a gourmet
meal, and champagne cocktails.
To become s sponsor or to reserve your seats, please contact Megan Locke at (865)560-0509 or
[email protected].
AUCTION ITEMS NEEDED!
Please contact Megan if you would like to donate an item or service.
Lighthouse artwork by Christian Cardona ‘13.